Tavern Direct, providing bottled versions of the signature sauces, marinades, oils and vinegars served at New York's Tavern on the Green restaurant, is a nifty little company. In addition to providing gluten free products, they support the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's (NCMEC) effort to provide education on how to keep every child safer in today's world. 

Tavern Direct Available online and at select Wegman's locations. Scores: (1-5, 5 being the best) Overall Score (4.0)

Products reviewed: 

Balsamic Vinegars:
Autumn Fig vinegar, Citrus on the Green vinegar, Summer Strawberry and Blackberry Ginger

Marinades/Sauces: 
Toscana Garlic Parmesan Marinade and Central Park Dipping Oil

Overall Score: 4 stars out of 5

Vinegars: 

All of the vinegars are incredibly flavorful and truly live up to their name! These thick balsamic glazes are perfect for grilled or roasted meats, drizzled on fresh or grilled fruits, salads, and more. Using quality balsamic vinegar, real fruit and no preservatives, these vinegars are absolutely delightful. Downside, they have to be refrigerated after opening; upside, you'll have used them up before worrying about refrigerator space!  (Oh, and the autumn fig was by far my favorite.)

Marinade and Dipping Oil:

This Caesar-like marinade is exceptional, both for marinating chicken before grilling or as a tasty impromptu salad dressing! Salty, cheesy and just the right consistency, this is one tasty sauce you won't want to pass up! 

I'll be honest, of all the products we reviewed, the Central Park Dipping Oil was my least favorite -- the vinegar and spices were super chunky and as someone who likes to mix their own oil and vinegar for dipping, I am not easily impressed. That being said, if you don't have quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar on hand, this ready-mixed combination is great for entertaining. 

Overall, the Tavern Direct line is easily a 4 out of 5, with the biggest detraction being the price point. At $11.95 per bottle (for vinegar, marinade and oil), it seems a little steep - but given that Tavern Direct is donating a portion of their profits to the NCMEC, well, I think I can splurge!

- Kelsey Ganes